Folding container

ABSTRACT

A container having a body portion and capable of being deployed between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration. The body portion comprises a lower base member, an upper member and two opposing foldable walls arranged between said base member and said upper member. The container further comprises a flexible member which forms a holding pouch within the body portion of the container in the unfolded configuration and which is attached to the body portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a container for storing andtransporting articles which is capable of being deployed between afolded and an unfolded configuration. More specifically, but notexclusively, the container is provided for use in applications wherethere is a need for a tamper-evident or water resistant sealed containerarrangement. A tamper-evident container is one in which evidence of anyunauthorised access or intrusion is apparent.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Portable plastic storage containers are well known consumer andindustrial products and provide important advantages in terms ofstrength and light weight compared to containers made of othermaterials. Such containers are used for a variety of storage andtransporting needs such as for document files, work tools or otherhousehold articles.

In many areas of application, especially where the containers are in usefor only a very limited amount of time, there is a significant problemassociated with their storage. The space required to store a number ofcontainers can be a drain on resources and can result in increasedproperty rental charges etc. These problems are particularly apparentwhen the containers are required to be transported (for example by airor water), whereby the volume of space occupied by containers candramatically increase transport costs and decrease their commercialviability. The above mentioned problems are particularly acute whereinthe container or box is to function as a ballot box for example, whereinthere is a need for a box that can easily transported and stored in theminimum of space, making it ideal for use in diverse geographicallocations. Since ballot boxes are in use for only a very limited periodof time, space-saving storage mechanisms are of paramount importance.

Foldable/collapsible containers are known and are a popular choice inthe above mentioned applications due to the considerable reduction intransport volume and therefore cost which can be achieved by usethereof.

Whilst use of a foldable container serves to alleviate the abovementioned problems with respect to storage and transport, the presenceof a folding mechanism provided in the body of the container inevitablyresults in sealing problems between the different parts of the foldablecontainer that enable the container to be folded down or disassembled.The connections between displaceable panels inevitably serve as dust anddirt-traps which severely limits the applicability of such containers inthe storage and transport of food or sanitary products and asepticapplications.

A foldable box is, by its very nature, also vulnerable to tamperingwhereby the joints or folds which confer the space saving advantages actas possible sites for unauthorised access. This is of particularrelevance when the container is used to hold food and beverages whereinthe risk of contamination of the contents during storage and transportof the container must be eliminated. Also in the ballot box application,it is important to totally restrict access to the inside of the ballotbox, except for ballots, or other means used for carrying out thevoting.

The benefits of collapsibility also means that the water-tightproperties of a collapsible/foldable container are severely compromised.This makes a foldable container unsuitable for use in wet environmentssuch as in boating/sailing or other watersport activities. The foldablecontainer is also unsuitable for storage and/or transport of items wherethere is a potential risk that the container might become exposed towater such as in areas that are prone to flooding.

EP1418547 discloses a foldable ballot box which addresses the problem ofpreventing access to the inner area by means of sealing connections witha strip of adhesive paper or the like.

EP0542821 discloses a collapsible ballot box comprising a flexible outerbag-like member and inner collapsible reinforcing side panels associatedtherewith.

WO 03/024815 discloses a collapsible container wherein the sealingproblems thereof are overcome by using a removable liner which is placedon the inside of the erected container.

The present invention provides an alternative foldable container whichwhen in use is sealed against environmental contamination andunauthorised access and which is tamper resistant.

STATEMENTS OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a container havinga body portion and capable of being deployed between a foldedconfiguration and an unfolded configuration, said body portion includinga lower base member, an upper member and two opposing foldable orhingeable walls arranged between said base member and said upper member,wherein the container further includes a flexible member which forms aholding pouch within the body portion of the container in the unfoldedconfiguration and which is attached to the body portion.

Preferably the container includes two further opposing walls, each ofwhich is flexibly attached to one of the upper and base member.

Preferably the foldable walls are flexibly attached to said upper memberand lower base member.

Preferably flexible member is attached to attachment means provided bythe upper member. Alternatively the flexible member is attached toattachment means provided by a wall of the container.

Preferably the flexible member is attached to the body of the containerby ultrasonic welding, adhesion technology or friction bonding.

Preferably the container, when in the folded configuration, is capableof accommodating the flexible membrane in a space defined by the foldedwalls and the upper member.

Preferably the body portion, and/or the flexible member are made ofplastics material. Preferably the plastics material is transparent.

Preferably the container further includes a lid portion. Preferably thelid is made of plastics material. Preferably the plastics material istransparent.

A container of the present invention provides important space savingadvantages yet overcomes the concomitant sealing problems of aconventional foldable container. A container of the present invention,by virtue of the flexible member associated therewith is resistant toenvironmental contamination such as dust and water and also provides atamper proof arrangement.

The importance of a container with such multiple functionality isparticularly apparent in the field of disaster recovery. Containerswhich can be stored with minimum footprint in minimal amount of spaceand minimum of cost would be useful in protecting valuable museumartefacts in the unfortunate event of flooding. As a precautionarymeasure, containers of the present invention could be usefully stored inunderground storage facilities ready for use if the need should everarise.

A container of the present invention could be cost effectivelytransported to flood relief victims and used for water tight storage ofpossessions. In such emergency circumstances, a container of the presentinvention could also usefully serve as transportable sink orwashing/drinking facility, wherein water for washing is placed withinthe membrane of an assembled container and discarded after use.

A container of the present invention provides a useful transportingmeans for food and beverages. It can also double as a useful coolingfacility whereby the membrane is filled with water at a picnic/beachlocation and used to store drink cans and other items. After use thecontainer can be easily emptied and folded to the compact state fortransport.

The advantages of a container of the present invention for use as aballot box are clearly apparent. A container of the present inventioncan be economically transported to areas of diverse geographicallocation and assembled to provide a secure, reliable and tamper proofballot box. The container can then be easily stored in minimal space.

A container of the present invention also carries the advantages ofodour resistance and may be conveniently used to store clothes and othermaterials.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only and withreference to the accompanying drawings in which;

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a container in accordancewith the present invention in its unfolded, assembled state.

FIG. 2 a is a diagrammatic perspective view of a container in itsunfolded, assembled state and a lid in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 b is a section of the container viewed along line I of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a container in accordancewith the present invention in its folded or collapsed state.

In the figures like reference numerals denote like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words“comprise” and “contain” and variations of the words, for example“comprising” and “comprises”, means “including but not limited to”, andis not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives,components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, thesingular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires.In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specificationis to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity,unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers or characteristics described in conjunction with aparticular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to beunderstood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or exampledescribed herein unless incompatible therewith.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a container, generally denoted (1), has arectangular lower base member (3), and an upper frame member (5). Lowerbase member (3) has a small peripheral lip (7) which extends upwardlyfrom the base member (3) in a vertical elevation. Upper frame member (5)defines a peripheral rim (9) and has an outwardly extending horizontalflange (11) which constitutes end flanges (13, 15) and side flanges (17,19) and a downwardly extending peripheral outer lap (21), said lap (21)arranged substantially co-planar with the upwardly extending peripherallip member (7) of the base member (3). Preferably the container is madeby injection moulding and made of polypropylene or polyethylene. In analternative embodiment of the invention the container is a square andcomprises side and end walls of equal dimension.

Upper frame member (5) also has an inner lap (23) which extendsdownwardly towards base member (3) along a length which substantiallycorresponds to that of outer peripheral lap (21), from end flanges (13,15) and side flanges (17, 19) and arranged substantially perpendicularthereto. Inner lap (23) has a ledge (25) which extends inwardly towardsthe centre of the box, substantially perpendicular to said lap (23) fromwhich it depends. Ledge (25) is additionally provided with a flange (27)which extends upwardly, substantially perpendicular to ledge (25) fromwhich it depends and to which a flexible sealing member, which in thespecific example is membrane (29), is attached around the circumferencethereof. Suitable methods for attaching sealing membrane (29) to flange(27) include ultrasonic welding, adhesion technology or frictionbonding.

Sealing member (29) extends from flange (27) to which it is attached,down into the body of container (1) and when fully distended, is capableof enclosing substantially the same volume of space as that enclosed bycontainer (1) in the fully unfolded state. In this way the carryingcapacity of the sealed container is not compromised by the presence ofthe sealing membrane (29) which acts as the primary receptacle for thegoods placed there-within and provides a protective barrier between thelaminar container walls and interior space.

In one embodiment of the invention the membrane (29) is formed oftransparent plastic. Preferably the body of the container (1) is alsomade of transparent material such as polypropylene, polyethylene,polycarbonate or the like. In this way the contents of the container canbe easily viewed by the user without necessitating opening of a closedcontainer/lid combination.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, flexible membrane (29) issealed at flange (27) as shown in the illustrated embodiment but themembrane additionally has a top or cover portion which extends acrossthe opening of the container mouth and can be provided with a zip orother closure means. This embodiment provides the container withadditional sealing properties.

That part of ledge (25) which depends from side flanges (17, 19) hasmeans for attaching thereto, preferably by way of flexible connectingmeans such as a hinge or pivot (31), longitudinal side walls (33, 35).Longitudonal walls (33, 35) are a pair of rectangular laminar portions,a lower one (37, 39) and upper one (41, 43), for each longitudinal side(33, 35) of the ballot box. The width of each longitudinal wall (33, 35)corresponds to the length of the span defined by peripheral rim (9)formed by upper frame member (5), or peripheral lip (7) of base member(3). Lower and upper portions (37,39; 41,43) are swivel mounted togetheron their concordant longitudinal edge by swivel means (45). A stop isprovided within said swivel means such that swivelling can occur in onedirection only.

That part of ledge (25) which depends from end flanges (13, 15) hasmeans for attaching thereto, preferably by way of flexible connectingmeans (31), end walls (47, 49). End walls (47, 49) comprise a pair ofrectangular laminar portions. The mounting means (31) for end walls (47,49) are arranged such that end walls (47, 49) are mounted above theplane of mounted the longitudinal side walls (33, 35). The width of eachend wall corresponds to the distance between longitudinal walls (33, 35)in maximum unfolding.

It will be understood that the arrangement of the flexible or swivelmounting within the container can be varied. In an alternativeembodiment for example, end walls (47, 49) are each comprised of twobi-part swivel mounted portions, each part joined by a, preferablycentral, swivel mount, and the longitudinal side walls have laminarportions that are flexibly mounted from a position above the plane ofthe end walls. It will be understood that the swivel mounting means ispreferably provided in opposing walls. Alternatively the side and endwalls can be flexibly mounted from the lower base member.

In the unfolded state, as represented by FIGS. 1 and 2, opposite endwalls (47, 49) and opposite side walls (33, 35), form substantiallyvertical walls surrounding base member (3) and arranged substantially atright angles thereto. In the unfolded/assembled state male connectingmembers (51) provided at intervals around the internal face ofperipheral lip (7) of base member (3) cooperate with correspondingfemale portions or slots (53) provided in the lower peripheral edges ofend walls (47, 49) which abut lip member (7) of base member (3). Endwalls (47, 49) are arranged such that their vertical edges adjoiningside walls are held against the inner surface of longitudinal side walls(33, 35). Each adjoining edge of longitudonal side walls (33, 35) isadditionally provided with a hook like or catch member (55) which ispresented to each vertical edge of end walls (47, 49). Hook or catchmember (55) is securely latched by a receiving slot (57) provided in thecorresponding position on the adjoining walls of each end wall (47, 49).In the illustrated embodiment each side wall (33, 35) presents two hooklike members (55) at a location that corresponds to the swivel mechanism(45) located there-between. It will be understood that any number ofhooks and corresponding slot arrangements can be used. This arrangementprevents any swivel movement between the laminar portions oflongitudinal walls (33, 35), preventing their folding and forcing themto maintain an upright vertical position, thus creating the inneroperative area of the box.

Sealing membrane (29) sits inside the container and by virtue of itsflexibility can comfortably accommodate articles to betransported/stored therein, whereby membrane (29) is capable of beingdistended to at least the same volume as the container. It will beapparent to the skilled artisan that the sealing member may be made ofany suitable material such that confers a degree of flexibility,particularly with respect to the body portion.

Preferably the sealing member (29) is formed of impervious materialwhich is preferably transparent. Preferably the sealing member is formedof polypropylene and is provided for use in a polypropylene container.Accordingly, the container assembly can be conveniently placed in afreezer without adversely affecting the integrity of the air-tight sealdue to the simultaneous contraction of like materials. Conversely, aseal of non-like material e.g., rubber, would be subjected todifferential contraction which carries the inherent risk of an impairedseal.

Container (1) is conveniently adapted to receive a removable lid (59)which is preferably moulded in one piece from a synthetic resin, forexample, polycarbonate, polypropylene or polyethylene and preferablyfrom the same material as the base member (3). Lid (59) is ofrectangular shape with smoothed cornices and is of a size to close theopen top of container (1).

Lid (59) has a body portion (61) and a peripheral edge (63). Theperipheral edge (63) of lid (59) has an inverted U-shape and has anupwardly extending leg (65), ledge (67) which extends horizontallytherefrom and substantially downwardly extending leg (69). Downwardlyextending leg (69) terminates at end (71) to project from horizontalledge (67) of lid (59) below the plane of the main body portion (61) oflid (59).

Reinforcing rectangular shaped webs (73) are provided at variousintervals around the periphery of the lid (59) within the space definedby upwardly extending leg (65), horizontally extending ledge (67) andthe uppermost portion of downwardly extending leg (69).

The peripheral edge (63) of lid (59) is adapted to fit over outwardlyextending horizontal flange (11) of container (1) such that end (71) ofdownwardly extending leg (69) sits proud above downwardly extendingperipheral outer lap (21).

To enable the removable lid (59) to be clamped on the container (1) alocking member (75) is optionally provided on the upper frame member (5)above each end wall (47, 49) of the container. As shown in FIG. 2,locking member (75) is pivotally attached to reinforcing ribs (76) whichextend from handle portion (79) provided by upper frame member (5).Locking member (75) can be pivoted upwardly from a first unlockingposition to a second position whereby the locking member engages the lidportion (59) and holds the lid in engagement with the body portion. Theflexible membrane (29) provides a tamper proof indicator. Access to thecontents of container (1) which might otherwise occur through thefolding joints of a foldable container can only be achieved bydisrupting and breaking the surface of the flexible membrane (29). Thedescribed container and lid combination therefore provides a sealedarrangement whereby the goods to be stored/transported inside a foldablecontainer (1) are resistant to environmental elements such as dust andwater. In one embodiment of the invention the locking member (75) isoptionally further provided with a tamper evident sealing member whichextends between the locking member and at least one of the body and lidportion when the locking member is in its locking position, by means ofapertures provided in the locking member and at least one of the bodyand lid portion.

When it is desired to move the container into the folded position (i.e.,for storage/transport of empty containers as shown in FIG. 3), end walls(47, 49) can be pushed from their vertical position, as illustrated inFIG. 1, to a horizontal resting position that is substantially coplanarand adjacent to the lower surface of the upper frame member (5), definedby ledge (25). To effect this movement the user must push end walls(47,49) in towards the body of the box, thus releasing male projectingmembers (51) provided at the lip (7) of the base member (3) from femalecooperating slots (53) and also the hook (55) and slot (57) catchingmechanism provided between the adjoining walls of the side walls (33,35) and end walls (47, 49).

Movement of end walls (47, 49) about flexible mounting means (31) pushesthe flexible membrane (29) up out of the body region of the container(1) such that it is forced to occupy the space defined by the nowhorizontal end walls (47, 49) and upper peripheral rim (9) provided byupper member (5) of the container. If the container is folded in theclosed state (whereby lid (59) is placed over peripheral rim (9) ofcontainer body), the flexible membrane (29) is now sandwiched betweenthe body portion (61) of the lid (59) and the horizontal end walls (47,49). Accordingly the flexible membrane (29) remains fixedly attached tothe body of the container when the container is moved between theunfolded and folded state.

Movement of supporting end walls (47, 49) means that longitudinal sidewalls (33, 35) are now free to fold toward the inside of the containerabout the swivel mount (45) between the laminar portions (37,39;41,43)provided on their concordant longitudinal edges. In the folded state,longitudinal side walls (33, 35) nestle between the now horizontal endwalls (47, 49) and base member (3) such that the volume of the container(1) is reduced to approximately one quarter of that of the unfolded,operative container. The folded container can then be convenientlystored away ready for re-use, either on its own or with any number oflike containers as part of a stackable system.

In the illustrated embodiment end wall is additionally provided with anopening member which allows for easy access to the container when theunfolded, assembled box is stored as part of a stackable system (FIG.3). End wall (47) provides a window (77) which is swivel mounted (78) tosurrounding frame portion (81) of end wall (47). Window (77) within endwall (47) is firmly locked by means of a projecting member (83) whichresiliently catches behind the frame portion (81) provided by end wall(47). To open the access window (77) the user compresses bi-partiteopening member (85), thus releasing resilient projecting member (83) andenabling full access to the body of the container. It will be understoodthat additional or alternative window features can be provided in eitheror both or any end wall or side wall.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the sealing member (29)is fixedly attached to the body of the container (1) at an alternativeposition, such as around the peripheral surface of an access window,which is preferably provided on an end wall of the container. In thisembodiment the membrane forms a holding pouch which encapsulates avolume that is substantially equal to the interior volume of thecontainer and the user is able to access the interior of the spacedefined by the membrane seal (29) through the access window. In thisembodiment the container may be provided with a separate lid or one thatis integral with the body of the container.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, each end wall (47, 49) and sidewall (33, 35) is additionally provided with outwardly extendingreinforcing ribs (80). These reinforcing ribs may optionallyadditionally be provided on the access window (77).

1. A container having a body portion and capable of being deployedbetween a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, the bodyportion comprising a lower base member, an upper member and two opposingfoldable or hingeable walls arranged between the base member and theupper member wherein the container further comprising a flexible memberwhich forms a holding pouch within the body portion of the container inthe unfolded configuration and which is attached to the body portion andwherein movement of the container into the folded configuration pushesthe flexible member up out of the container.
 2. A container according toclaim 1 wherein the container comprises two further opposing walls, eachof which is flexibly attached to one of the upper and base member.
 3. Acontainer according to claim 1 wherein the foldable walls are flexiblyattached to the upper member and lower base member.
 4. A containeraccording to claim 1 wherein the flexible member is attached to anattachment means provided by the upper member.
 5. A container accordingto claim 1 wherein the flexible member is attached to an attachmentmeans provided by a wall of the container.
 6. A container according toclaim 1 wherein the flexible member is attached to the body of thecontainer by ultrasonic welding, adhesion technology or frictionbonding.
 7. A container according to claim 1 wherein when the containeris in the folded configuration, the container is capable ofaccommodating the flexible member in a space defined by the folded wallsand the upper member.
 8. A container according to claim 1 wherein thebody portion, and/or the flexible member are made of plastics material.9. A container according to claim 8 wherein the plastics material istransparent.
 10. A container according to claim 1 further comprising alid portion.
 11. A container according to claim 10 wherein the lid ismade of plastics material.
 12. A container according to claim 11 whereinthe plastics material is transparent.
 13. (canceled)